Asset Identification is a key feature in ON!Track. It helps you identify tools and equipment and assign them to the correct location, employee, or service. Many assets have serial numbers, but these can be hard to find, difficult to read, or damaged over time, which makes identification unreliable.
To solve this, Hilti provides durable tags and hardware solutions that make identifying and tracking assets easier and more automatic. These solutions reduce manual work and help ensure assets are always correctly identified in the system.
Our hardware portfolio includes:
We'll explore each of these options in detail to give you an overview of what we offer.
Passive Tags
What Are Passive Tags?
Let's begin with what we call passive tags. These tags feature a Data Matrix code that matches the tag's scan code number. You can scan these tags using the mobile app to identify your assets.
The tags are more resilient to damage and dirt and are built to withstand the toughest job site conditions.
What Is a Data Matrix Code?
A Data Matrix code is a 2D barcode that stores asset information and remains readable even when the label is small, dirty, or partially damaged.
Benefits of passive tags
- Low cost and easy to use: You can tag many assets quickly, even assets without active tracking tags.
- Clear identification: Scanning the label instantly shows the correct asset details, which helps avoid mistakes.
- Flexible formats: ON!Track works with many barcode types, so you can often keep using your existing labels.
Use cases of passive tags
- Adding assets: Attach a label, scan it, and link it to an asset record.
- Manual inventory checks: Scan items during audits or inspections.
- Manual transfers: Scan the asset to make sure the correct item is being moved or updated.
Limitations
- Need manual scanning.
- ON!Track does not know where the item is unless it is scanned.
Types of passive tags
L2 and L5 Tags
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T43-P Metal Tags
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T35-H Tags
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Sensor Tags
These signals can be read by the ON!Track mobile app or by gateways.
Benefits of Sensor Tags
When used with ON!Track, Sensor Tags allow you to:
- Perform quick nearby inventory checks using the mobile app
- View idle time data stored on the tag
- Store the last seen location in ON!Track
- Conduct remote inventory checks using gateways
- Automate inventory management through Automated Transfers
Detection Behavior and Limitations
- New tags are typically detected by a gateway within about 2 minutes
Stationary Gateway (AI G125): usually detects a new tag within ~30 seconds (continuous scanning).
Van/Telematics Gateway (TU 600):
when the vehicle/engine is active: updates are typically sent every ~2 minutes
when idle/parked: updates are typically sent every ~15 minutes
if there’s no vehicle power (battery saving mode), it may not scan tags.
- Detection may be reduced by:
- metal shelves or racks
- closed van doors
- nearby wireless devices
Gateways are tested to detect up to 500 Sensor Tags.
Any message delayed by more than 15 minutes (for example, due to connectivity loss or buffering) is automatically rejected, which helps to ensure that recorded idle‑time data remains accurate and aligned with real operating conditions.
How Sensor Tags Are Attached
- Metal Holder – Screwed to Hilti tools, attached with 3M tape.
- 3M Tape – Most common method, strong and difficult to remove.
- Wire Adapter – Tag in housing, attached with wire shackle.
- Cable Tie Adapter – Housing attached with two cable ties
Types of Sensor Tags
T320 Sensor Tag
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T380 Sensor Tag
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T320-R Runtime Tag
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Geo Tags
The Geo Tag AI T400 is a tracking device used in Hilti ON!Track. It sends its location twice a day (6 AM and 6 PM) using a cellular network. It runs on three AAA batteries and can last up to 5 years. The device is durable and protected against dust and water (IP68 certification), making it suitable for construction sites.
Benefits of geo tags
- Helps you find equipment, even if it is not powered.
- Reduces the risk of lost or misplaced tools.
- Supports recovery of stolen equipment.
- Saves time by removing manual tracking.
- Sends more frequent updates when movement is detected.
Use Cases of geo tags
- Track large equipment like trailers, containers, cable drums, and scaffolding.
- Get alerts if equipment moves after working hours.
- Use recovery mode for faster tracking of lost or stolen items.
Limitations
- Accuracy depends on location and surroundings.
- Metal or electrical interference can affect performance.
- Frequent updates reduce battery life.
- Setting changes may take up to 12 hours.
- Ownership transfer is not supported.
- Available only in selected regions.
Gateways
Gateways work together with Sensor Tags to continuously scan for nearby assets and update ON!Track within minutes.
Each gateway includes a built‑in cellular connection that sends data to the Hilti cloud, ensuring seamless integration with ON!Track accounts.
Benefits of gateways
- Less manual work: No need to walk around and scan tools.
- Faster problem detection: Missing tools are identified sooner.
- Remote checks: For fixed locations, you can check inventory without being there.
Use Cases of gateways
- Warehouses and containers: Clear inventory visibility.
- Vans: Track tools inside vehicles.
- Heavy equipment: Track tools and attachments around machines.
Limitations
Obstacles can reduce detection. Stationary gateways need power and cellular signal coverage. Update timing depends on gateway type and status:
- Stationary: Near real‑time under normal conditions.
- Van / Heavy equipment: Updates depend on movement, engine status, and power‑saving modes.
Types of Gateways
ON!Track supports three main types of gateways, depending on where assets are located.
Stationary Gateway (AI‑G125)Use Case: Ideal for warehouses and containers.Features
Power Supply
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Vehicle Gateway (TU 600‑25)Use Case: Designed for vans and cars.Installation
Features
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Telematics Gateway (TU 600‑25)Use Case: Designed for heavy machinery.Installation
Features
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Additional Points to Consider
Licensing
- Gateways require a Pro or Enterprise ON!Track license.
- This covers development, infrastructure, and data processing costs.
Availability
- Gateways are available only through Fleet Management
- Part of the monthly fee covers data connectivity, similar to a mobile phone contract
Environmental Considerations
Gateways are not designed for harsh environments
- Stationary Gateways should be placed in waterproof housings if used outdoors, avoid using pure glass or metal as it obstructs bluetooth signal.
- Vehicle Gateways must be installed inside the vehicle.
- Telematics Gateways should be protected from water and rain.
Summary
ON!Track gives each tool and piece of equipment a digital identity, making it easy to find and manage assets without relying on hard‑to‑read serial numbers. This is done using tags and gateways that work together.
Tags are attached to tools. Some tags are simple labels that you scan with the mobile app, while others are small sensor tags that send out signals regularly.
Gateways are placed in locations like warehouses, vehicles, or heavy machines. They detect nearby sensor tags and send this information to the system.
Together, tags and gateways reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and give a near real‑time view of where tools are and how they are used, as long as the right license and setup are in place.